All aboard! Let us embark on perhaps the most common (and somewhat misconstrued) inquiry: Is it possible to reach Havelock Island by train? While there are no direct trains to the island, this guide will unfold the entire journey—from purchasing your train tickets to basking under the sun on the beaches of Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep). Consider this your compass for navigating the myriad of trains, ferries, and everything in between!
Important Note: Is There a Train To Havelock Island?
Short answer: No, but kind of.
You cannot reach Havelock Island by train because the Andaman & Nicobar Islands do not have any railway lines.
“And here is the good news!” You can catch a train to the mainland ports which connect to Port Blair— the capital of Andaman Islands—and from there, you can take ferries and boats to Havelock Island.
Sequential Journey from Train + Ferry To Havelock
For simplicity, let’s split the travel segments.
1. Board a Train To A Port City With Flights/Ships Reaching Port Blair
Your first step is getting to one of the Indian mainland cities that have connection options to Port Blair through air or sea.
Here are some ideal train destinations and how they link to the Andamans.
Train Destination | Connects to | Why it’s a good pick |
---|---|---|
Chennai (MAS) | Flights & Ships | Closest port city with passenger ships |
Kolkata (KOAA/HWH) | Flights & Ships | Has direct passenger ships and flights |
Delhi (NDLS) | Flights | Good for northern travelers |
Bangalore (SBC/YPR) | Flights | Easy for South India |
Mumbai (CSTM/CSMT) | Flights | Long distance, but has frequent flights |
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Tip:
For those who want to travel by train, book a long-distance train to Chennai or Kolkata, from there you can take a flight or board a ship to reach Port Blair.
2. Fly from Mainland India to Port Blair
From any port city, the Andaman Islands can be reached most quickly and conveniently by air.
Port Blaire Airport (Veer Savarkar Airport)
Flight durations:
- Chennai to Port Blair – 2 hours
- Kolkata to Port Blair – 2.5 hours
- Delhi to Port Blair – 4–5 hours (direct or via Chennai/Kolkata)
- Bangalore/Mumbai to Port Blair – 2.5–5 hours
IndiGo, Vistara, Air India, and SpiceJet all have flights that operate regularly.
3. Alternative: Passenger Ships from Chennai or Kolkata
If your schedule is flexible and you don’t mind taking the road less traveled, you can board a passenger ship to Port Blair.
Ports with Ship Services to Port Blair:
- Chennai Port
- Kolkata Port
- Visakhapatnam Port
Ship Details:
- Duration: 3–4 days
- Frequency: 3–4 sailings per month
- Tickets: Must be booked weeks in advance via the Directorate of Shipping Services or through travel agents
Note:
Services during monsoon (June to September) not recommended. Expect basic amenities—no luxury cruises here!
4. Ferry from Port Blair to Havelock Island
Port Blair is your gateway to the last bit of travel to Havelock Island.
Ways to travel to Havelock (Swaraj Dweep):
Government Ferries
- Cost: ₹300–₹500
- Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours
- Booking: At the STARS Counter near Phoenix Bay Jetty or through local agents
- Availability: Often limited during high season
Private Ferries (Makruzz, Green Ocean, ITT Majestic)
- Price Range: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 (depending on class)
- Duration: 90 minutes – 2 hours
- Online Booking: makruzz.com, green-ocean.in
Tip:
If you have confirmed reservations for flights, book your ferry immediately. This is especially important during December–February when demand is high.
Train + Ferry Combined Itinerary To Havelock Island
For instance, we will consider that you are starting from Delhi:
- Train to Delhi: Delhi to Chennai (28-35 hours with multiple trains such as GT Express)
- Flight: Port Barca to Havelock (1.5 to 3 hours)
- Arrival: Havelock Jetty: alongside the reminiscences.
- Total Journey Time: ~2-3 days with ship travel extended to maximum of 5 days.
Travel Recommendations For The Journey:
- Indian Railways does not offer multi—modal bookings so it’s better to book Train and Flight separately.
- Tight connections are not advisable as ferries may be weather delayed so buffer time should be added.
- Ferry and flight luggage limits are strict so traveling light is essential.
Traveling by Ship
Havelock Island cannot be reached directly by train, but traveling from train to plane to ferry is an adventure all by itself. It is a story bound to be heard by many: traversing through the mainland, then the sky, then the ocean to reach perhaps one of the most stunning islands in India. Next time someone says, “Is there a direct train to Havelock Island?” – you will with confidence say “of course not directly” and know how to get there thoroughly.
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Are you prepared for your next trip? Let’s work on it together.